Label applying mechanism



Dec. 19, 1967 A. JENSEN ETAL LABEL APPLYING MECHANISM 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 20, 1965 NA T. S EJE m V N H I HS 1 w J U A fig-9.

Dec. 19, 1967 JENSE" 3,358,991

LABEL APPLYING MECHANI SM 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 20, 1965 Dec. 19, 1967 H. A. JENSEN ETAL 3,353,991

7 LABEL APPLYING MECHANISM Filed Sept. 20, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 v 654 i 72a 1 II I L r/ A 1 5 1 I 76' ao\ 67 -77 74 B 45" I- 0 7.51 4% r *4 Y Ll 6 6 L \l x FA INVENTOFZS HANS A. JENSEN AUGUSTUS HEBERMAN Dec. 19, 1967 JENSEN ETAL 3,358,991

LABEL APPLYING MECHANISM Filed Sept. 20, 1965 4 Sheets-Swat 4 INVENTOQS HANS A. JENSEN AUGUSTUS H.-EBERMAN United States Patent Oflice 3,358,991 Patented Dec. 19, 1967 3,358,991 LABEL APPLYING MECHANISM Hans A. Jensen and Augustus H. Eberrnau, Madison, Wis., assignors to Oscar Mayer & Co., Inc., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Filed Sept. 20, 1965, Ser. No. 488,575 11 Claims. (Cl. 271-61) The present invention generally relates to means for applying labels to articles, and more particularly to a new and improved label carrying mechanism for use with a label transfer or applying roller of the type adapted to withdrew a label from a magazine and apply the same to an advancing article, such as a package.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide support means movably mounting a label magazine such that its discharge end is moved in a continuous path a portion of which is in close proximity with the periphery of the associated label applying roller, and also to provide other means adapted to cooperate with the support means, upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition, for altering the path of movement of the magazine thereby to prevent the discharge end thereof from coming into close proximity with the periphery of the associated label transfer roller.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism of the type described wherein a label carrying magazine is supported by orbital pivot means oscillating pivot means and wherein releasable means are provided for limiting movement of the oscillating pivot means.

Still another object of the psesent invention is the provision of mechanism of the type described wherein a pair of label carrying magazines are mounted on a carrier plate for sliding movement relative to the latter and to each other in such manner that either magazine may be slid to a position wherein its discharge end occupies a position formerly occupied by the discharge end of the other magazine.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following specification describing a preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein: I

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the mechanism of this invention showing the same associated with a label applying roller;

FIG. 2 is a slightly reduced perspective view looking generally from the right of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view looking generally from the left of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged section taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged section taken along line 55 of FIG. '1 (the magazines have been omitted from this figure);

FIG. 6 is a section taken along line 6-'6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged section taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a section taken along line 88 of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the paths of movement of the magazine positioned for having la'bels withdrawn therefrom.

Referring to the drawings, it should first be mentioned that the particular embodiment of the invention disclosed has been developed for use in applying labels to the packages continuously formed by the machine dis-closed and claimed in Jensen et al. copending application, Ser. No. 408,842, filed Nov. 4, 1964. It will be understood that the present invention is not to be limited for use only in the machine disclosed in this pending Jensen et al. application.

The label transfer or applying roller 10 with which the present invention is associated is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.

This roller is mounted on a shaft 11 having one end thereof journaled in a block 12 including an integral depending leg 12a. The other end of shaft 11 is secured in one end of an arm 14 having its other end pivotably mounted to supporting structure 15 about a pin or shaft 16. Depending portion 12a of block 12 includes a pin 17 slidably received in a vertically extending slot 18 formed in a guide member 19 having its lower end secured to supporting structure 20 forming a part of the aforementioned Jensen et al. machine. Thus, label transfer roller 10 is mounted for generally vertical movement 'by reason of swinging movement of arm 14 and sliding-pivotal move ment of pin 17 in slot 18. As will become apparent herein, this movement of roller 10 is for adjustment purposes.

Block 12 has a small bar 21 fixed thereto, which bar includes a vertically extending threaded bore threadingly receiving a bolt-like member 22 having a knurled head 23. The lower end of member 22 abuts the upper surface of guide bracket 19. It should be apparent that rotation of knurled head 23 will bring about generally vertical movement of roller 10 for adjustment purposes.

Label transfer roller 10, which may be of known construction, includes peripherally arranged ports 24 adapted to be intermittently placed in communication with a source of vacuum. Block 12 includes a suitable passageway or passageways (not shown) adapted for communication with the ports in roller 10. The passageways in block 12 are placed in communication with a suitable source of vacuum (not shown) by vacuum hose 25.

In FIG. 1 there is illustrated a twin coil tubing 27 having a central connecting portion 28 with a-leg thereof extending parallel with the axis of roller 10 and in close proximity with the periphery thereof. This leg has a plurality of ports along the length thereof for directing air toward roller 10. Both coils 27 are in communication with a suitable source of pressurized air and are connected with a source of current for resistance heating of the air. The coils are arranged in a chamber 29 to minimize heat dissipation. Air is heated as it passes through coils 27, and then is directed as a hot air blast toward the label transfer roller for activating heat sensitive adhesive on labels which are transferred or applied by roller 10. It will be appreciated that this heating mechanism, which of itself forms no part of the present invention, may be dispensed with if the labels to be applied do not include heat sensitive ad hesive.

The present invention will be seen to include a vertically disposed carrier plate 30 having an upwardly directed extension 30a suitably bored for pivotol engagement with one end of a pin 31. The other end of pin 31 has a reduced-in-diameter portion 31a (FIG. 7) suitably secured, as by means of a fastener 32, in one end of a guide arm 34. A spacing sleeve 35 holds plate 30 in parallel spaced relation with arm 34 and also serves as a bearing pivotally mounting plate 30 on pin 31. A suitable fastener or fitting 36 is connected with the outer end of pin 31 to prevent separation of plate 30 therefrom. The other end of arm 34 is pivotally mounted on a shaft 37, which shaft is mounted in a hub 38 fixed to supporting structure 15.

Carrier plate 30 has a pair of guide bars 40 and 41 (FIGS. 5 and 6) mounted thereto, which bars extend in parallel relation and have confronting flanges 40a and 41a, respectively. These bars define a guideway for a sliding block 42 having oppositely extending grooves in slidable engagement with flanges 40a and 41a. Bars 43 and 44 are fixed at opposite ends of bars 40 and 41 thereby to limit sliding movement of block 42 in the guideway and thereby prevent separation of block 42 from the same.

Block 42 includes a central bore in which is received a headed pin 45 having a threaded end threadingly engaged in a bore in one end of crank arm 46. Crank arm 46 is mounted for rotation about a shaft 47, the axis of which shaft is eccentric with the axis of pin 45. Shaft 47 is supported in a hub 48 which is in turn mounted from supporting structure 15. Suitable drive means (not shown) are. provided for imparting rotation to shaft 47. It will be apparent that this rotation of shaft 47 causes movement of pin 45 in a circular path about the central axis of shaft 47.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 1 and 8, supporting structure mounts a shaft 50 generally adjacent shaft 37. Shaft 50 swingably mounts a bracket arm 51. Bracket arm 51 has a bar 52 yieldably or resiliently mounted thereto by means of a pin 53 and an associated coil spring 54. It will be understood that the shank of fastener 53 freely passes through a bore (not shown) in bar 52 and is then threadingly engaged in a blind bore in bracket arm 51. Bar 52 includes a notch or recess 52a- Bracket arm 51 carries a pin 55 connected with the lower end of a strap or bar 56. The upper end of strap 56 passes through an opening 57 in a supporting bracket 58 and is connected with movable structure 59 forming part of a solenoid 60, which solenoid is carried by bracket 58 mounted to supporting structure 15.

With particular reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, it will be noted that the end of arm 34 adjacent pin 31 has fixed thereto a bar 62. Bar 62 has an extension or lip 62a adapted to be received in recess 52a of bar 52 when solenoid 60 is de-energized which allows bracket arm 51 to drop to the position illustrated in FIG. 8. The operation of this solenoid actuated mechanism and its association with movement of arm 34 will be referred to hereinbelow in connection with the description of the operation of the present invention.

Carrier plate includes a rectilinear slot 64. A generally race track shaped slide member 65 is slidably received in slot 64; this slide member has a correspondingly shaped enlarged portion 65a which slidably engages the back of plate 30 (as viewed from FIG. 1). Slide 65 is secured to a label carrying magazine 66 and mounts the same in inclined relation'with respect to slot 64. Slide member 65 also mounts magazine 66 for sliding movement relative to plate 30 in either direction along slot 64.

Magazine 66 is generally box-like in nature; it is open at its top and has a large opening or cut-out 67 in the wall thereof which is spaced from plate 30 thereby to expose labels in the magazine for indicating the level or supply of labels. The bottom of the magazine is open in the area designated by the reference character 68; a portion of the bottom of the magazine is closed by plate 69. It will be understood that the magazine is adapted to support a stack of labels with a portion of the lowermost label supported on plate 69 and with the remaining portion of this label exposed in the area of the magazine indicated by the reference character 68.

Carrier plate 30 includes another rectilinear slot 71 arranged in angular relation with slot 64. A slide member 72, substantially identical with slide member 65, is slidably received within slot 71; this slide member has a correspondingly shaped enlarged portion 72a in slidable engagement with the back of plate 30. Slide 72 has a label magazine 74 fixed thereto, which magazine is identical with label magazine 66. Slide 72 mounts magazine 74 in parallel relation with magazine 66 and also mounts magazine 74 for sliding movement relative to plate 30 in either direction along slot 71.

Magazine 66 has a plate 76 secured thereto, which plate includes an elongated slot 76a extending in parallel relation with the magazines. Magazine 74 carries a bracket 77, which bracket mounts a fastener 78 one end of which extends into slot 76a. The end of fastener 73 in slot 76a may be merely cylindrical in nature and in sliding engagement with the slot, or this end of the fastener may support a roller for rolling engagement with slot 76a.

It will be appreciated that fastener 78 and the slot in plate 76 connect the magazines together for relative sliding movement along parallel, oppositely extending paths.

The magazines are arranged on the carrier plate so that when magazine 66, for example, is slid to the left (FIG. 1), magazine 74 is simultaneously slid downwardly to the left. When magazine 66 is slid to the right, magazine 74 is simultaneously slid upward and to the right. Of course, either magazine may be grasped for sliding both magazines. Either magazine may be slid to a location wherein its discharge end occupies a position (the position of magazine 66 in FIG. 1) formerly occupied by the discharge end of the other magazine. As will be explained below, when either magazine has its discharge end in this position, it is periodically brought into close proximity with the periphery of roller 10 thereby allowing the latter to withdraw the lowermost label in the magazine located as described.

Preferably, means are provided for locking magazines 66 and 74 relative to carrier plate 30. This is brought about by means of a pin 80 having one end thereof threadingly engaged in one end of slide member 65. Member 80 carries a collar 81 (FIG. 4) adapted for frictional engagement with plate 30 upon appropriate rotation of member 80. The outer end of member 80 includes a transverse bore mounting a pin 82 which serves as a convenient handle for rotating member 80.

The operation of the mechanism of this invention is as follows:

At least one of the magazines 66, 74 is loaded with a supply of labels. The magazine from which the labels are to be dispensed is then slid to the position occupied by magazine 66 in FIG. 1. At this time it should be mentioned that, in FIG. 2, magazine 66 is illustrated in the position for having labels withdrawn therefrom, and, in FIG. 3, magazine 74 is positioned for having labels withdrawn therefrom by the label transfer roller 10. Member 80 is rotated thereby to lock the magazines to carrier plate 30. The drive means associated with crank arm 46 are actuated thereby driving pin 45 in its circular path. Assume that solenoid 60 is energized for holding bracket arm 51 in its upper position wherein bar 52 is not allowed to come into contact with bar 62 carried by arm 34. Accordingly, arm 34 and pin 31 carried thereby are free to swing during movement of pin 45 in its circular path.

During movement of pin 45 in its circular path, pin 31 oscillates generally toward and away from roller 10 in a generally vertical arcuate path. This circular movement of pin 45 in combination with oscillating movement of pin 31 causes the discharge end, represented by reference character 68, of the magazine occupying the position shown in FIG. 1 to move in an elliptical path. This elliptical path is illustrated in FIG. 9 and designated 85. It will be understood that during this movement, slide member 42 does not slide in the guideway defined by the bars 40 and 41; bar 43 merely rests on the upper surface of slide member 42 which of course is being moved in a circular path along with pin 45.

When the discharge end 68 of the magazine which is located in the position of magazine 66 (FIG. 1) reaches a location along its elliptical path which is adjacent the lower end of the minor axis 86 (FIG. 9) of the ellipse, the discharge end is in close proximity with the periphery of label transfer roller 10. Roller 10 is driven in timed relation with movement of the carrier plate 30 so that vacuum ports 24 on the label transfer roller will come into contact with the exposed underside of the lowermost label in the magazine thereby withdrawing the same from the stack of labels. It will be understood that roller 10 rotates in a clockwise direction as illustrated in FIG. 1.

After the label hasbeen withdrawn from the magazine, it passes the hot air blast from tube 28 thereby activating the heat sensitive adhesive on the label. Roller 10 then transfers or applies the label to a package or the like which is being advanced from right to left as seen in FIG. 1. Carrier plate 30 is of course moved in timed relation with the advancing articles or packages. Label transfer roller also rotates in timed relation with the advancing packages or the like thereby to apply labels to the latter. In the aforementioned Jensen et al. machine, the packages, which are formed between continuous films of package forming material, each have a planar marginal surface adapted to receive one of the labels.

It will be appreciated that the arrangement of the magazines on carrier plate 30 permit rapid changeover from one magazine to the other. For example, when magazine 66 is being used, magazine 74 may be loaded with an additional supply of labels or this magazine may be loaded with different labels. When it is desired to shift magazine 74 for replacing magazine 66 to supply additional labels of the same type or to change labels, member 81 is unloosened, the magazines are simultaneously slid on the carrier plate, and member 81 is then retightened.

'In many applications of the mechanism of this invention, it is desirable to dispense labels only when certain conditions have been satisfied. For example, in the aforementioned Jensen et a1. machine, it is desirable to apply labels only to filled packages thereby to conserve labels by applying them only to usable or completed packages.

In order to prevent the application of a label to an unfilled package, photoelectric means (not shown) are located upstream with respect to the labeling mechanism, i.e., to the right as viewed in FIG. 1. This photoelectric mechanism is electrically associated with solenoid of As long as the photoelectric beam, which extends transversely across the advancing packages, is intermittently broken at predetermined intervals of time, solenoid 60 remains energized thereby holding rod 56 in its uppermost position and thereby preventing engagement of bar 52 and bar 62 carried by arm 34.

If the photoelectric beam remains unbroken for an extended period of time, which occurs upon passage of an unfilled package, solenoid 60 is de-energized thereby allowing bracket arm 51 to drop in the position illustrated in FIG. 8. Accordingly, on the next upward swing of arm 34-, bar 62 will cam bar 52 to one side and on the downswing of arm 34 lip 62a on bar 62 will snap into notch 52a in bar 52. The yieldable mounting of bar 52 prevents damage to the parts during this engagement of lip 62 and notch 52a.

This interengagement between bar 52 and bar 62 prevents further downward swinging movement of arm 34 and thereby limits swinging movement of pin 31. It will be understood that pin 31 still oscillates to some degree as lip 62a and notch 52a engage and disengage, but the amount of this oscillation is less than the oscillation of pin 31 when bars 52 and 62 are not allowed to contact. In other words, carrier plate 30 is still free to pivot about arm 31, but oscillation of the latter is limited. As pin 45 driven by crank arm 46 continues to move in its circular path, slide member 42 now commences its reciprocal sliding movement in the guideway defined by the bars 40 and 4-1; member 42 slides relative to plate 31 along a generally vertical path extending between pin 31 and roller 10. The resulting movement of the discharge end (reference character 68) of the magazine occupying the position of magazine 65 in FIG. 1 is along a path consisting of an arc 87 (FIG. 9) and the portion of ellipse '85 above the major axis 88 thereof. Accordingly, discharge end 68 of the magazine in supply position moves in substantial spaced relation above the periphery of label transfer roller 10.

As long as the photoelectric beam remains unbroken for a predetermined extended period of time, the discharge end of the magazine from which labels are being dispensed will move in a path suificiently spaced from the transfer roller so that the latter cannot withdraw labels from the magazine. When another filled package ad- 6 vances to a location such that it interrupts the photoelectric beam, solenoid 60 is again energized. "Upon the next upward swing of arm 34, bars 52 and 62 will be disengaged thereby freeing arm 34 for full swinging movement and resumption of the full elliptical travel of the discharge end of the supplying magazine.

While the invention has been described in but one form, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not to be so limited. In this respect, it will be understood that although the embodiment of the invention illustrated is adapted for applying labels with heat sensitive adhesive to packages formed by the machine disclosed in the aforementioned Jensen et al. application, the present invention is not to be so limited. Also, the present invention is not to be limited to any particular form of label. The apparatus of the present invention may be used in carrying and dispensing any type of label or card with or without intelligence indicating indicia thereon, and the term label as used in the appended claims will be so con strued.

We claim:

1. Label carrying mechanism for use with a label transfer roller, said mechanism comprising, a carrier member and a first pin connected therewith, which first pin has its axis in parallel spaced relation with the axis of rotation of the associated label transfer roller, supporting structure including means pivotally connected with said carrier member through the medium of said first pin and adapted to guide the latter for oscillating motion toward and away from the associated label transfer roller, a second pin intermediate said first pin and the label transfer roller and further supporting structure mounting said second pin for movement in a circular path about an axis eccentric with respect to the axis of the second pin, which second pin has its axis in parallel relation with the axis of rotation of the associated label transfer roller, a slide member pivotally connected with said further supporting structure through the medium of said second pin, said carrier member including guideway means slidably engaging said slide member for oscillating movement, relative to the carrier member, generally toward and away from the associated label transfer roller, at least one label magazine on said carrier member and having a discharge end for dispensing labels therefrom, said magazine being positioned on said carrier member so that said discharge end is in close proximity with the periphery of the associated label transfer roller when said first and second pins are in their positions nearest the roller thereby to permit the latter to withdraw a label from said magazine, and releasable means for limiting oscillating motion of said first pin, thereby to prevent said discharge end from coming into close proximity with the periphery of the associated label transfer roller when said second pin is moved along its circular path.

2. The mechanism according to claim further defined by another label magazine on said carrier member in addition to said one magazine, said another magazine also having a discharge end, slide means mounting said magazines on said carrier member for sliding movement relative to the latter and to each other, which slide means permit either of said magazines to be slid to a location wherein its discharge end occupies the position formerly occupied by the discharge end of the other magazine.

3. Label carrying mechanism for use with a label transfer roller, said mechanism comprising, a carrier plate disposed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the label transfer roller, a first pin normal with said plate and connected with the latter, guide means pivotally connected with said plate through the medium of said first pin and adapted to guide the latter for oscillating movement toward and away from the associated label transfer roller, a second pin and drive means for moving the former in an orbital path in a plane parallel with said carrier plate, said second pin being normal with the carrier plate, a slide member pivotally connected with said drive means through the medium of said second pin, said carrier plate including guide means slidably engaging said slide member and confining the same for reciprocal movement, relative to the carrier plate, generally toward and away from the label transfer roller, a label magazine supported by said carrier plate and having a discharge end for dispensing labels therefrom, which magazine is arranged on said carrier plate so that said discharge end is disposed in close proximity with the periphery of the label transfer roller when said pins are in their positions nearest the label transfer roller thereby to permit the latter to withdraw a label from said magazine, and releasable means for limiting oscillating motion of said first pin, thereby to prevent said discharge end from coming into close proximity with said periphery of the associated label transfer roller when said second pin is moved along its orbital path.

4. The mechanism according to claim 3 further, defined by another label magazine on said carrier plate in addition to said one magazine, said another magazine also having a discharge end, slide means mounting said magazines on said carrier plate for sliding movement relative to the latter and to each other, which slide means permit either of said magazines to be slid to a location wherein its discharge end occupies a position formerly occupied by the discharge end of the other magazine.

5. A label applying mechanism for use with a label transfer roller, said mechanism comprising, an arm and supporting structure connected with one end of the arm thereby mounting the same for swinging movement in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the as sociated label transfer roller, a first pin carried by the other end of said arm, which first pin has its axis in parallel spaced relation with said first mentioned axis, said arm extending generally perpendicular with a plane containing the axes of the label transfer roller and the first pin thereby to guide the latter for movement toward and away from the former, a carrier plate disposed in a plane perpendicular to said first mentioned axis, which carrier plate is pivotally connected with said arm through the medium of said first pin, a second pin disposed generally intermediate said first pin and the label transfer roller, which second pin has its axis in parallel relation with said first mentioned axis, further supporting structure mounting said second pin for movement in a circular path lying in a plane perpendicular to said first mentioned axis, a slide member pivotally connected with said further supporting structure through the medium of said second pin, said carrier plate including means defining a guideway slidably receiving said slide member and thereby guiding the latter for reciprocal movement, relative to the carrier plate, generally toward and away from the label transfer roller, a label magazine on said carrier plate and having a discharge end for dispensing labels therefrom, said magazine being positioned on said carrier plate so that said discharge end is in close proximity with the periphery of the associated label transfer roller when said first and second pins are in their positions nearest the transfer roller thereby to permit the latter to withdraw a label from said magazine, and releasable means for limiting movement of said first pin, thereby to permit said discharge end from coming into close proximity with the periphery of the associated label transfer roller when said second pin is moved along itscircular path.

6. A label dispensing mechanism for use with a label transfer roller, said mechanism comprising, a carrier plate and a label magazine supported thereby, which magazine has a discharge end for dispensing labels therefrom, supporting structure including oscillating pivot means and orbital pivot means both connected with said plate for moving the discharge end of the magazine in an elliptical path, said mechanism being mounted with respect to the label transfer roller so that said discharge end is in close proximity with the periphery of the label transfer roller when said end occupies a position adjacent one end of the minor axis of the elliptical path, releasable means adapted to limit movement of said oscillating pivot means thereby to convert elliptical movement of said discharge end to movement wherein said discharge end remains in substantial spaced relation from the periphery of the label transfer roller.

7. A label applying mechanism for use with a label transfer roller, which roller is mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal axis, said mechanism comprising, guide means mounting a first pin in parallel relation with said axis in generally vertically spaced relation above said roller, which guide means guide said first pin for reciprocal movement along a generally vertically extending path, a vertically disposed carrier plate connected with said pin and thereby being pivotally connected with said guide means, drive means mounting a second pin generally intermediate said first pin and said roller and in parallel relation with said axis, said drive means being adapted to drive said second pin in a circular path in a vertical plane, a slide member connected with said second pin and thereby being pivotally connected with said drive means, said carrier plate including guideway means slidably receiving said slide member, which guideway means confine said slide member for reciprocal movement, relative to the carrier plate, along a generally vertically extending path, a label magazine mounted on said carrier plate in generally vertical disposition and having its lower end adapted for discharge of labels therefrom, said magazine being arranged on said carrier plate so that when said pins are in positions adjacent their lowermost positions said end is in close proximity with the periphery of said roller thereby to allow the latter to withdraw a label from the magazine, releasable means mounted adjacent said guide means and being adapted in one position to limit movement of said first pin thereby to prevent said end from coming into close proximity with said roller upon movement of said second pin in its circular path.

8. Label carrying mechanism for use with an associated label transfer roller, said mechanism comprising, a carrier plate and means mounting the same in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the roller, 21 first magazine having a discharge end, said magazine being slidably mounted on said carrier plate for reciprocal movement back and forth between a first position wherein its discharge end is in adjacent relation with the periphery of said roller and a second position wherein its discharge end is remote from said roller, a second magazine having a discharge end, said second magazine being slidably mounted on said carrier plate for reciprocal movement back and forth between a first position wherein its discharge end is in adjacent relation with the periphery of said roller and a second position wherein its discharge end is remote from said roller, means connecting said magazines for sliding movement relative to each other whereby said magazine simultaneously slide relative to each other and to the carrier plate.

9. Label carrying mechanism for use with a label applying roller, a carrier plate mounted in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said roller, said plate including first and second linear guide tracks disposed in a plane parallel with said plate, a first label magazine having a slide member secured thereto and being slidably received in said first guide track, a second label magazine having a slide member secured thereto and being slidably received in said second guide track, said magazines being in parallel adjacent relation, slide means slidably connecting said magazines for sliding movement relative to each other along parallel oppositely extending paths, said magazines each having a discharge end, said guide tracks being angularly disposed relative to each other so that either of said magazines may be slid to a location wherein its discharge end occupies a position formerly occupied by the discharge end of the other magazine.

10. The mechanism according to claim 9 further defined by, support means movably mounting said plates such that the discharge end of the said magazine occupying said position is moved in a continuous path a portion of which is in close proximity with the periphery of said label applying roller, and other means adapted to cooperate with said support means for altering said path thereby to prevent the discharge end of the said magazine occupying said position from coming into close proximity with the periphery of said label applying roller.

11. The mechanism according to claim 10 wherein said support means includes orbital pivoting means and oscillating pivot means, and wherein said other means includes References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,097,301 10/1937 Novick 27129 2,914,322 11/1959 Engleson 27132 EVON C. BLUNK, Primary Examiner.

0 H. C. HORNSBY, Assistant Examiner. 

7. A LABEL APPLYING MECHANISM FOR USE WITH A LABEL TANSFER ROLLER, WHICH ROLLER IS MOUNTED FOR ROTATION ABOUT A GENERALLY HORIZONTAL AXIS, SAID MECHANISM COMPRISING, GUIDE MEANS MOUNTING A FIRST PIN IN PARALLEL RELATION WITH SAID AXIS IN GENERALLY VERTICALLY SPACED RELATION ABOVE SAID ROLLER, WHICH GUIDE MEANS GUIDE SAID FIRST PIN FOR RECIPROCAL MOVEMENT ALONG A GENERALLY VERTICALLY EXTENDING PATH, A VERTICALLY DISPOSED CARRIER PLATE CONNECTED WITH SAID PIN AND THEREBY BEING PIVOTALLY CONNECTED WITH SAID GUIDE MEANS, DRIVE MEANS MOUNTING A SECOND PIN GENERALLY INTERMEDIATE SAID FIRST PIN AND SAID ROLLER AND IN PARALLEL RELATION WITH SAID AXIS, SAID DRIVE MEANS BEING ADAPTED TO DRIVE SAID SECOND PIN IN A CIRCULAR PATH IN A VERTICAL PLANE, A SLIDE MEMBER CONNECTED WITH SAID SECOND PIN AND THEREBY BEING PIVOTALLY CONNECTED WITH SAID DRIVE MEANS, SAID CARRIER PLATE INCLUDING GUIDEWAY MEANS SLIDABLY RECEIVING SAID SLIDE MEMBER, WHICH GUIDEWAY MEANS CONFINE SAID SLIDE MEMBER FOR RECIPROCAL MOVEMENT, RELATIVE TO THE CARRIER PLATE, ALONG A GENERALLY VERTICALLY EXTENDING PATH, A LABEL MAGAZINE MOUNTED ON SAID CARRIER PLATE IN GENERALLY VERTICAL DISPOSITION AND HAVING ITS LOWER END ADAPTED FOR DISCHARGE OF LABELS THEREFROM, SAID MAGAZINE BEING ARRANGED ON SAID CARRIER PLATES SO THAT WHEN SAID PINS ARE IN POSITIONS ADJACENT THEIR LOWERMOST POSITIONS SAID END IS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY WITH THE PERIPHERY OF SAID ROLLER THEREBY TO ALLOW THE LATTER TO WITHDRAW A LABEL FROM THE MAGAZINE, RELEASABLE MEANS MOUNTED ADJACENT SAID GUIDE MEANS AND BEING ADAPTED IN ONE POSITION TO LIMIT MOVEMENT OF SAID FIRST PIN THEREBY TO PREVENT SAID END FROM COMING INTO CLOSE PROXIMITY WITH SAID ROLLER UPON MOVEMENT OF SAID SECOND PIN IN ITS CIRCULAR PATH. 